You’ve written an excellent introduction and compelling body highlighting what you can do for the employer. But you’re stuck on how to close out your cover letter.
A well-written cover letter is like a good meal — it starts off with a bang, and ends with a satisfying finish. You want to leave the reader wanting more.
There are several ways to end a cover letter effectively. Some companies prefer to see a short summary at the bottom of the page, while others want to see a full-body copy.
Whatever method you choose, the key is to write something that shows off your skills and experience.
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Why it’s important to end a cover letter with a closing paragraph
A cover letter is often one of the first things that hiring managers read when they open your resume.
It’s not uncommon for them to skim through multiple pages before making their decision. If you have a weak closing paragraph or two, you could be losing a job opportunity before you even get the chance to be interviewed.
In fact, you’ll find yourself getting interviews simply because of the way you close a cover letter.
You see, the “closing paragraph” is the final impression a hiring manager will ever have of you. The goal is to capture the employer’s interest and make sure they remember your application. But how do you do it?
Mistakes when writing a closing paragraph
The closing paragraph is one of the most important parts of a cover letter because it gives the reader a sense of how well you align yourself with the job description.
A good close does three things: It closes out the information contained in the rest of the document; it summarizes the key points of the entire document; and it offers advice for future reference.
However, there are many mistakes that people make while crafting a closing paragraph. Here we take a look into some common errors that you should avoid:
1. Being Overconfident or Pushy
Avoid being overconfident and write intrusive statements. You don’t want to sound arrogant or pushy.
Instead, use phrases such as “I am confident that I am qualified for the position,” or “I believe my skills and experience are relevant.”
2. Using Generic Statements
Employers look through countless resumes and cover letters in one day. They won’t remember anything specific unless you tell them something memorable.
If you’re looking for work, it’s best to tailor your closing paragraph to the employer, rather than having a general statement.
For example, if you’re applying for a marketing role, say something along the lines of “I’m excited to apply my knowledge of digital marketing strategies to help grow your brand.”
3. Writing Too Long
Keep your closing paragraph short and sweet. Don’t go overboard with long sentences. Focus on the main points of the document and keep the paragraphs short.
This way, you’ll save space and give the reader less to scroll down to find the next section.
How should you write a closing paragraph
Your “closing paragraph” is the last thing you say in your cover letter. It should summarize the main points from your cover letter and highlight why you’re the best candidate for the position.
This is also where you give the employer some insight into why you think you would be a great fit for their company. So if you wrote about your work ethic, your ability to multitask and your desire to learn new technology, then this is the place to talk about those things again.
But don’t just repeat everything you said in your opening paragraph. Your closing paragraph should be different than your intro.
For example, if you mentioned that you were excited to work for a small business owner who was looking for someone who could help grow his company, then your closing paragraph should include a couple lines explaining why you’d be able to contribute to that growth.
If you mention that you love working with people and feel passionate about helping them achieve success, then your closing paragraph can explain why you’d bring that enthusiasm to the table.
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So without further ado, here are 10 examples of how to properly end a cover letter with a closing paragraph:
1. A short paragraph summarizing your accomplishments
This is an effective way to finish your cover letter because it gives the hiring manager a quick overview of your work history. It’s also a good idea to keep this section short so as not to overwhelm them.
2. A brief statement about why you’re applying
If you have more than one reason for applying, make sure to focus on the most important ones. For example, if you have two reasons for applying — one related to your current position and another related to a new opportunity — then mention each separately.
3. An anecdote about yourself
If you can relate your story to what the company does, you’ll stand out from other applicants. You could talk about a time when you had to solve a problem or overcome a challenge. Or, you could compare your situation to someone else who faced similar challenges.
4. A final request
Always ask whether there is anything else you can do to help your chances of getting hired. This will show that you care about the outcome and are willing to go above and beyond.
5. A personal note
Don’t forget to add a personal touch by including some information about yourself. After all, they might be reading your cover letter for the first time! Include things like a photo of yourself, a link to your website, or any other details that might make you memorable.
6. A reference
Include a recommendation from someone within the organization who knows you well. If possible, include their name and phone number so that they can give you feedback directly.
7. A closing sentence
A strong closing line will bring everything together. Make sure, to sum up, your accomplishments and highlight your strengths. Use keywords that match the job description.
8. A question
Ask a relevant question about the job opening. For example, “Is there a particular skill set required?” or “What would I need to know before starting my new role?”
9. A wish
Ending with a positive thought will make you seem genuine. Add something like “I hope we meet soon.” or “Best regards” and sign off with your contact info.
10. A thank-you
Finally, send a personal email thanking the person for his or her time. Don’t just say “thank you,” but explain why you’re grateful for the opportunity.Now that we’ve tackled the 10 examples a closing paragraph, here’s a bonus tip:
11. A post-script
The inclusion of a postscript in your covering letter can help to highlight key points you want to emphasize about yourself, such as why you’re applying for this particular position, why you think you’d be a good fit for the role, or why you think you’ll be able to contribute to the organization.
A postscript can also serve as a reminder to the employer that you’ve included additional information that wasn’t mentioned in the body of the email itself. For instance, if you mention something specific about your experience or skillset in the body of the cover letter, including a postscript can allow you to reiterate that fact without having to go into detail again.
Conclusion
As you can see, building a great closing paragraph isn’t easy. But it doesn’t have to be difficult either. With practice, you’ll get better at writing them, which means you’ll be able to use them effectively every time you write an application. So keep practicing and don’t stop until you nail that perfect ending.
Lastly, if you need help with writing a cover letter that will ensure a good final impression from employers, our team of professional experts can definitely help you to stand out among others and have a higher chance of getting interviewed.
